To Spend or Not to Spend
To spend or not to spend? That is the question! So, what’s the answer? That depends on your values, priorities, skills and, yes, your money. Learn how to save money through budgeting & smart spending.
In This Episode
I grew up believing the answer was always “not to spend.” Now, I realize cutting spending can be just as detrimental as overspending, or any spending – if you don’t think it through.
Medical and Dental Care
You can skip the regular checkups and cleanings, but you may end up paying more in the long run.
Insurance
Can you afford to replace your car or pay for injury to another person, or damage to their car? What if you have a medical emergency? Paying a monthly premium is hard when you’re living paycheck to paycheck, but car accidents or major sickness could bankrupt you!
Food
Eating healthy can cost a bit more than junk food, but medication for diabetes, high cholesterol and blood pressure are way more expensive!
Buying Generic
Sometimes it’s just as good, so why pay more? But sometimes, you can really tell the difference, and end up throwing out the generic to buy the name brand. Spend the money on what works best for you!
DIY
Can you really do it yourself? If so, save the labor cost and go for it! But if DIY means paying someone to fix your mistakes, hiring a professional in the first place will actually save you money!
Electric Bill
Do you keep every light on without a second thought, or read in the dark, so your bill will be lower? (forget about the fact that you’ll have to pay for glasses later!)
Pressured Spending
You’ll miss out on the deal of a lifetime, if you don’t buy right now!” Sound familiar? Most of the time, all you’ll miss out on is buyer’s remorse! If you feel pressured to spend money, take a step back and consider whether this is a good deal for YOU.
Quality of Life
How do you figure out the best way to spend? Consider these questions: How important is this item or experience? Does this item or service make your life easier, and give you more time to spend with family and friends? Or, are you just being lazy? Remember money is just a tool. Use it the best possible way, in order to get the most out of your life. You worked hard for it – choose your best reward!